Cody Schulz

The meeting included reports from the North Dakota Department of Water Resources, which provided updates on climate conditions, streamflow, and water use in the Little Missouri basin area. The North Dakota DOT discussed the Pacific Avenue project in Medora, including bridge widening and streetscape work. North Dakota Parks and Recreation shared updates on initiatives at Sully Creek and Little Missouri State Parks. The State Historical Society presented plans for upgrading visitor experiences at Medora properties, including the Chateau De Mores and associated sites. The commission also discussed term limits for representatives and considered a request for live streaming future meetings.

The meeting included a Water Resources Update, highlighting drought conditions and streamflow data, and an update on the construction at Rough Rider State Park, including the addition of campsites and facilities. The MHA Nation's new Park & Reserves Department discussed acquiring land adjacent to Little Missouri State Park for their first National Tribal Park. Grid United provided a report on the North Plains Connector Electrical Transmission Line, focusing on its route, easement acquisition, and community investments. The committee members also discussed the crossing of the Little Missouri River by the transmission line and the positive feedback received from Golden Valley regarding the easement processes.

The master plan for Fort Stevenson State Park emphasizes the importance of citizen engagement and feedback for project success. It focuses on understanding community needs and aligning resources to meet them. The plan uses a proactive and strengths-based approach, leveraging the expertise of a volunteer advisory committee and public input to define a preferred vision for the park's future. Key areas of consideration include infrastructure, business management, visitor services, operations and maintenance, programs, and marketing, all aimed at balancing current needs with the vision for future generations.

The Recreational Trails Program Advisory Committee (RTPAC) convened to evaluate grant applications for recreational trail projects. Twenty applications were presented, with discussions covering a range of projects including trail rehabilitation, construction of new trails, park road preservation, and equipment acquisition for trail maintenance. The projects aimed to enhance community wellness, outdoor recreation, and accessibility to natural areas. The committee also discussed improvements to existing trails, the restoration of prairie habitat, and the installation of educational signage. Following the presentations, the committee members were tasked with submitting their scores for the applications.

The meeting included presentations on completed projects, the North Dakota Trail Advocacy Award, and the North Dakota Trail Worker Award. Presentations were also given on Snowmobile North Dakota, the North Country Trail, and the Maah Daah Hey Trail. Discussion focused on 2011 applications and funding levels, with a consensus to fund all nine eligible projects. A second grant application round was announced with a June 1 deadline and adjustments to minimum funding levels. The future of the Recreational Trail Program (RTP) was addressed, with the possibility of the program being managed by the State's DOT. Alternative meeting formats were discussed for the committee.